21 hidden gems in Dubai shopping malls

We highlight the lesser-known shops and vendors worth seeking out

By
Benita Adesuyan
21 July 2015

Al Barsha Mall

Kata and Asana A dedicated yoga fitness apparel store on the ground floor of this neighbourhood mall, where yogis can get everything from natural rubber mats to grip socks and snazzy leggings. The store also has a range of fitness equipment such as balance balls and yoga wheels. Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Barsha Mall, Al Barsha, www.kataandasana.com (050 853 7080).

Al Ghurair Centre

Eleven ParisOn the ground floor of this Deira shopping centre is trend-driven French label Eleven Paris. A minimalist store with contemporary styles for men and women, this is the place for the hipsters looking for a cool shirt to match with distressed skinny jeans. Its clothes and accessories combine humour with pop and rock, as with the cheeky ‘Kanye is my homie’ snapback caps.Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Road, Deira, www.alghuraircentre.com (04 266 2000).

IpanemaNamed after the Brazilian district famed for its beautiful beaches, this vibrant and bright store has everything you need to ensure you look and feel good on the beach. You'll find everything from cool swimsuits to sandals. Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Road, Deira, www.alghuraircentre.com (04 224 2700).

The Face ShopJust by the Spinneys entrance of the mall is this bright beauty haven. For make-up fans that love lotions, potions and pretty make-up palettes, this store has it all, with a focus on natural products. The store’s own brand of cosmetics all have natural active ingredients, and the staff are quick to offer advice.Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Road, Deira, www.alghuraircentre.com (04 266 2000).

Ibn Battuta

TopshopWithin the halls of the themed mall, this outlet of high-street favourite Topshop has become a dedicated discount store. Head here to unearth bargains on a range of shoes, clothes and outer wear.Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Ibn Battuta Mall, Jebel Ali, www.ibnbattutamall.com (04 362 1900).

J3 Mall

Coquette BoutiqueThe bold and beautiful statement costume jewellery here will catch the eye of any passing fashion magpie. Trays of earrings and heavy necklaces are hung like art on the walls, and rows of studded snap back caps sit on display in glass cabinets. Guaranteed, there’s always a snazzy outfit on the mannequins to lure you in.Open daily 10am-10pm. J3 Mall, Al Wasl Road, Al Manara, www.coquette.me (04 354 5523).

Entre NousThis boutique is tucked away down a side aisle, but is well worth rooting out for classy, authentic designer women’s couture. The buyers source the clothes and accessories from the fashion houses of Europe, and return with dresses from Alexander McQueen, Emilio Pucci and D&G, but at up to 70 percent off the original price tag. Open daily 10am-10pm. J3 Mall, Al Wasl Road, Al Manara, www.facebook.com/entrenousapparels (04 338 4161).

Lamcy Plaza

Oye PunjabiLocated in the main atrium of the mall, Oye Punjabi is set up like a traditional Punjab village, with fetching fabrics on the chairs. This hip dining spot offers an authentic taste of Punjab, including plenty of spicy vegetarian options. Open daily noon-11pm. Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, www.lamcyplaza.com (04 429 8831).

Sahara Centre

The One BasicsSahara Centre sits just inside Sharjah on the Dubai-Sharjah border, and on the first floor is this cash and carry version of The One. Offering the same stylish home interiors and accessories, but at lower prices, don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot – it’s every shopper for themselves as stock quantities vary and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Open Thu-Sat noon-midnight; Sun-Wed 10am-11pm; Fri 10am-noon, 1pm-midnight. Sahara Centre, Al Nadha Street, Sharjah, www.saharacentre.com (06 525 9441).

Sunset Mall

Rivaage FashionThis boutique carries a unique combination of international fashion brands such as Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood Anglomania alongside a selection of top Emirati and regional designers. This neat store is great for label-loving women who enjoy mixing Arabic and western fashions. Open daily 10am-10pm. Sunset Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, www.rivaage.com (04 380 7177).

The Dubai Mall

Little ThingsThis artsy kiosk is a great one-stop shop for exciting gifts and home accessories for all occasions. Located on the second floor of The Dubai Mall, it has creative products from up-and-coming designers and artists from all over the world. Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.thedubaimall.com (04 332 2105).

Mauzan AbayasA well-established fashion house for elegant abayas and sheylas, with intricate details, Swarovski crystal embellishments and hand-crafted embroidery. Mauzan was founded by designer Rafia Helal Bin Drai, and the store has a stylishly simple decor and boutique feel, with a spacious design and uncluttered racks. Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.mauzan.com (04 3399505).

Times Square Center

Exquisite BeautyThis beauty store is packed full of designer scents and make-up palettes in a kaleidoscope of colours, all at good prices. It stocks popular cosmetic brands such as L’Oréal, Bourjois and Maybelline, Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Times Square Center, Al Quoz, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.exquisiteme.com (04 341 8020).

Muse ArtzThis eye-catching kiosk on the ground floor is like a mini gallery, displaying artwork from local artists in a variety of styles. It’s certainly worthy of your time for a browse. If you’re looking to decorate your home, there are vintage film prints, pop art canvasses, fine arts and photography, minus the gallery price tags.Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Times Square Center, Al Quoz, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.museartz.com (04 388 1516).

Town Centre Jumeirah

Maska Found on the ground floor, this store wraps presents with TLC and flair. Using the Japanese art of furoshiki (wrapping with fabric), the staff can transform the most mundane gift into a piece of art. What’s more, the fabrics and high quality papers are reusable.Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 1.30pm-10pm. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, www.towncentrejumeirah.com (04 344 4339).

Paperlane On the left-hand side of the first floor, you’ll discover this arts and crafts hub. Artists can pick up their paints, brushes, papers, books and other craft supplies. This nifty stationery store also hosts art classes and birthday parties for creative children.Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 1.30pm-10pm. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, www.mypaperlane.com (04 344 3633).

Wafi Mall

Razors Spa & Gents SalonRazors is a trendy grooming den with cool decor of exposed brickwork. Gents can get their hair and beards tended to, have a manicure and pedicure, massages and facials. Find it on the first floor of the new extension of the mall, opposite Salam department store.Open daily 10am-10pm. Wafi Mall, Oud Metha, www.wafi.com (04 396 9738).

Ripe MarketRipe Market now takes place every Saturday at Times Square Center, with stalls from local artisans and small businesses. Until October 3. Sat 9am-2pm. Times Square Center, Al Quoz, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.ripeme.com (04 380 7602).